Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

Whenever I need a comforting dinner that practically makes itself, I turn to my Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with delicious aromas and keeps everyone happy at the table. I love how it feels like a hug in a bowl — tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet veggies all mingled together. The best part? It’s a true one-pot wonder that saves me from juggling multiple pans. If you’re building up your slow cooker recipes, this is one you’ll come back to again and again. On nights when I don’t want to fuss, I often make this after a batch of slow cooker meatballs earlier in the week.

---

What You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. A handful of pantry staples and some fresh chicken come together to make magic.

• Chicken breast or thighs – I use boneless, skinless pieces for easy eating.
• Rice – Long-grain white rice works best. I find it holds up better than short-grain.
• Onion & garlic – Freshly chopped; they give the base so much flavor.
• Bell peppers – Add color and sweetness.
• Carrots & peas – For a touch of natural sweetness and texture.
• Chicken broth – Use low sodium so you can season to taste.
• Seasonings – Paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. I sometimes sneak in a pinch of cumin for depth.

My tip: always rinse the rice before adding it. It helps keep it fluffy instead of mushy. If you’re planning sides, air fryer baked potatoes are a fun add-on.

---

Step-by-Step Guide to Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

This recipe is as simple as layering, stirring, and letting the slow cooker work its magic.

Step 1 — Prep the chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. I like to season them lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika before adding them to the slow cooker — it gives the meat more flavor as it cooks.

Step 2 — Build the flavor base

Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the slow cooker. A quick trick I’ve learned: sauté them for a couple of minutes before adding if you have time. It gives the dish a richer taste.

Step 3 — Add rice and broth

Rinse the rice and stir it in with the veggies. Pour over the chicken broth and seasonings. Give everything a gentle mix.

Step 4 — Slow cook to perfection

Set the slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours, or high for 2–3 hours. I resist the urge to open the lid too often — it keeps the steam locked in and the rice cooking evenly.

Step 5 — Stir in peas

About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the peas. This keeps them bright and tender.

Step 6 — Fluff and serve

Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and check for seasoning. I love topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

For another cozy one-pot, check out my pressure cooker rice pudding when you’re craving something sweet.

---

Pro Tips & Easy Swaps

• Use chicken thighs for extra juicy bites.
• Swap peas for corn if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
• Stir in a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens.
• If you like heat, add chili flakes with the paprika.
• Don’t skip rinsing the rice — it prevents gumminess.
• For creamier rice, stir in a splash of milk or cream before serving.
• Make it ahead: this reheats beautifully for meal prep lunches.

---

Serving Ideas & Variations

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but I like to pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread to soak up the juices.

Variations:

• Add mushrooms for earthiness.
• Use brown rice (just adjust cooking time).
• Swap chicken for turkey.
• Add shrimp at the very end for a surf-and-turf twist.
• Toss in some black beans for a protein boost.
• Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

---

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• Rice too mushy? Use long-grain and avoid stirring too much while cooking.
• Chicken dry? Try thighs instead of breast, or shorten cooking time.
• Too bland? Season in layers — season chicken first, then broth.
• Rice undercooked? Make sure liquid fully covers rice before starting.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

You’ll Also Love

• Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs — sticky, tender, and a family favorite.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup — a cozy bowl for cold days.
• Slow Cooker Beef Stew — hearty and comforting, just like grandma made.

Explore more comforting meals in my slow cooker recipes collection.